SLIPPERY ROCK — Slippery Rock High School football has a new look this season.

New coach. New skilled players. New region ... even a new opponent to begin the season.

The Rockets and first-year coach Larry Wendereusz, now in Region 2, kick off the 2016 campaign at 7 p.m. Friday, hosting Reynolds. The two did not meet last year.

“There will be some shock value here,” Wendereusz said of the opener. “The kids are dealing with different names, different terms and I don't know how crisp we'll be.

“But we've asked the kids to work hard and they've worked hard. They've been doing everything to the best of their ability and you can't ask for more than that.”

The Rockets' ground game produced a pair of 1,000-yard rushers last year, but both graduated. Seth Slater and Hunter Prementine replace them in the backfield, the duo combining for 440 yards rushing in limited action a year ago.

Quarterback Bailey Mertens rushed for 238 yards and four TDs in 2015, but completed just seven of 32 passes.

While Slippery Rock reached the District 10 playoffs last year, Reynolds fashioned only a 3-7 record. But the Raiders lost a number of close games and return two stellar offensive players.

Quarterback Garrett Daniello threw for 483 yards and seven TDs, rushed for 822 and nine scores. Running back Dylan Mcdanel ran for 877 yards and 10 TDs.

“Dylan's goal was 1,000 yards last year,” fourth-year Reynolds coach Josh Mull said. “His first carry in Week 10 was a 78-yard touchdown run. On his second carry, he broke his collarbone.

“Our entire backfield is back and they are all diverse players. We should be able to keep defenses guessing.”

Reynolds has only won 10 of 30 games in Mull's first three seasons.

“I'm anticipating a close game with Slippery Rock,” Mull said. “Traditionally, we've had big offensive lines at Reynolds. This year, we're smaller and more athletic. And we've got seven starters back defensively.”

Mull said Slippery Rock's Mertens “is an exceptional athlete. Only having one scrimmage to scout each other, our teams know little about each other.”

Wendereusz pointed to ends Luke Brandon and Jon Durban, linebackers Steve Heller, Jordan Martsolf and Calvin Rossi and defensive back Pat Shea as keys to the Rockets defensively.

“You always want to start off on the right foot, but this is still just one game,” the coach said. “We have eight or nine more after this one and our goal will always be to be better than the game before.”

General McLane (0-0) at Grove City (0-0)

7 p.m., Friday, Forker Field

Coaches: McLane-Jim Wells, 20th year (163-53); Grove City-Sam Mowrey, 3rd year (3-17)

Notes: McLane is in Class 5A this seasdn. ... The visiting Lancers averaged 32.7 points per game last season, but graduated their top quarterback, running back and wide receiver. ... McLane was 7-4 last season, but 6-0 when allowing 21 points or fewer. ... Grove City is also in Class 5A and graduated only three senior starters from last year's 1-9 team. ... The Eagles allowed more than 30 points seven times last season.

Statistics: Ethan Laird ran for 294 yards and caught 13 passes for 192 last year, but figures to be McLane's QB this season. ... RB Evan Vincent ran for 245 yards and two scores last year. Defensively, he led the Lancers with five QB sacks. ... Grove City senior quarterback Kameron Patterson passed for 1,433 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2015, but was intercepted 14 times. He led the Eagles with 320 rushing yards. ... Patterson's top four receivers return in Brayden Martin (31 catches-341 yards), Logan Lutz (23-342), Nick Davies (19-300) and A.J. Turner (13-250). Lutz led the Eagles with four TDS.